Minimum Wage in Arizona
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Arizona's minimum wage is $15.45 per hour as of 2024, with annual inflation adjustments.
How Arizona treats Minimum Wage
Arizona voters approved a ballot measure establishing a minimum wage that adjusts annually for inflation, currently $15.45 per hour. Employers must pay this higher state minimum rather than the federal $7.25. The state's automatic adjustment mechanism means the wage floor rises each January, ensuring the minimum wage keeps pace with living costs.
The general definition of Minimum Wage
The lowest hourly wage an employer is legally required to pay employees.
Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate that employers must pay workers by law. The federal minimum wage in the United States is currently $7.25 per hour, but many states and cities have set their own higher minimums. Employers cannot pay workers less than the applicable minimum wage, even if the worker agrees to it. The minimum wage applies to most employees, though some categories (like certain trainees or workers with disabilities) may have exceptions. Violations can result in lawsuits, penalties, and back-pay owed to employees.
Read the full Minimum Wage entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Arizona.